Information Communication and Culture Minister Rais Yatim said Malaysians should ignore Opposition propaganda to hold protests like what is happening in some Arab countries now.

He said the political systems in those countries differed from Malaysia's, and as such, there was no reason for any party to ask Malaysians to follow in their footsteps.

Rais said unlike the Arab countries facing revolts, Malaysia had a solid  constitution which protected the rights of the people.

Malaysia also had a democratic system which allowed citizens to pick the party they wanted to govern the country every five years in free and fair elections, he told reporters after opening Cheras Umno's annual convention here tonight.

"In those countries (which are facing popular uprisings), they do not have a solid constitution like us and do not have free elections to chose their leaders," he added.

- Bernama